Breakdown of discipline betrayed Vatican II

Abandonment of internal Church discipline over the past half century has undermined the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, said the cardinal who heads the Vatican’s supreme court.

Cardinal Raymond Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, made his remarks Oct. 23 in a written submission to the world Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization.

“Excitement following the council, linked to the establishment of a new Church which teaches freedom and love, has strongly encouraged an attitude of indifference toward Church discipline, if not even hostility,” he said.

“The reforms of ecclesial life which were hoped for by the council fathers were, therefore, in a certain sense, hindered if not betrayed.”